All About Occasional Tables

Tables for all occasions and locations

Occasional tables are exactly that — occasional. Occasional tables are not used constantly but on particular occasions or instances:

A table for a hat or keys at the front door or foyer

A garden table for sitting in the sun and enjoying a refreshing glass of ice tea or lemonade

A table behind the sofa showing off framed photos of loved ones

Occasional tables serve a specific need or purpose and fill unique spaces perfectly.

Why, where, what for

Certain activities, such as playing games, entertaining, reading, or gardening, may call for certain occasional tables such as card or game, cocktail, wine or storage rack, tea or coffee, magazine rack, or plant stand. And certain rooms, parts of a room, or spaces next to other furniture call for their appropriate occasional table. Side, hall, accent, sofa, corner, center, side, entry, pedestal, or nightstands are all considered occasional tables. Some occasional tables have more than one function such as storage, utility stand, console, and convertible.

Know the construction

The basic design of occasional tables consists of the base, which includes the feet and legs, and the top.

For either of these two components of occasional tables, several materials may be chosen:

1. Wood. A couple of the more popular woods are oak and maple. But there's also the more unusual teak or cedar or more expensive birch or mahogany. All may be finished with your favorite stain or treatment.

2. Metal. Common metals include iron, aluminum, and steel. Brass and bronze are also available. Metals may be brushed or polished, powder-coated, treated for weather resistance, or made to have a patina.

3. Natural fiber. Often this includes cotton or wool.

4. Leather or suede. An example of an occasional table using leather or suede might be a side table/coffee table shaped like a storage block or trunk.

5. Stone. Using stone in occasional tables will add to their overall weight. But stone, such as marble, slate, or even granite, for occasional tables can really make a statement.

6. Shell. A decorative material, shell may be added as inlay.

7. Synthetic materials. Plastics and fiberglass make this list. Laminate and melamine are also choices as well as the more imaginative vinyl and rubber.

8. Glass. This is usually found in the tops of occasional tables, but it might also be the front of a door.

9. Ceramic. Again this is found in the tops.

10. Concrete. Obviously this is an occasional table that will not be moved very often.

11. Wicker, rattan, or cane. A lighter-weight occasional table material that is fitting for a sunroom, porch, deck, etc.

Selecting from the wide array of materials and styles of occasional tables, you may even feel like you're designing your own table.

More information on occasional tables